If you rely on a propane tank for your gas supply, then you need to make sure that your tank is always topped up. You don't want to run out of gas, after all.

At some stage, you'll need to work out a delivery schedule. For the most cost-effective option, you want your supplier to fill your tank every time it goes down to a certain level. You don't want it topped up unnecessarily or be left to run out of gas. There are a few different ways you can set up a schedule. What are they?

Self-Monitoring Ordering

Some people like to keep control of their propane ordering. Here, you check your tank's gauge regularly to find out its current level. Once it dips below a certain percentage, you request a delivery. Typically, your supplier will give you a percentage to look for. This is usually based on their delivery lead times. They want you to have enough gas in your tank until they can get to your property to refill it. If things go wrong, say if you forget to check your tank and it starts to run low, then you can usually schedule a quicker delivery. However, you may have to pay extra for this.

Fixed Delivery Ordering

If you don't want to check your levels yourself, you can simply build a schedule of fixed delivery dates. Here, your supplier will come to refill your tank on specific dates. So, they may come once a month or once every three months. This option works well if you have constant usage that doesn't go up or down seasonally. You can also adapt your schedule if you find, over time, that you've under- or over-estimated how much gas you'll use.

Automatic Ordering

Automated ordering takes your deliveries to a different level. Some suppliers will work with you to assess your usage needs; they then recommend an automatic delivery schedule that will keep your tank topped up at all times. Some suppliers also use remote smart monitoring here. For example, they set wireless smart monitors in your tank. These monitors automatically feed information back to the supplier. Once the monitor works out that your gas has gone down to a set level, it triggers an automatic delivery.

If you aren't sure of the best way to keep your tank topped up, contact local propane gas delivery services and ask their advice.